Finding Father

Chapter 10- I Know Why You're Here

AVERY'S POV

On Saturday, I head down to breakfast, and sit down next to a few other Ravenclaws at our normal table. I've just begun to eat when the morning mail swoops in, and a tawny school owl lands practically on my plate. I groan, and take the letter, before shooing it off my eggs. Taking another bite, I glance at the letter. It appears to be a reply from my mother.

I shove it into my pocket until I can read it alone. I finish my breakfast quickly, and leave the table. Those third year and above are busy getting ready for the first Hogsmeade trip of the year, and I go unnoticed.

Slipping quietly through the halls, I make my way back to the common room. I settle myself in a chair in the corner. There's hardly anyone else around, just a couple prefects in another corner doing homework. Diverting my attention back to the letter, I open it nervously.

Dear Avery,

I had no idea that Severus was teaching at the school, and I feel bad that I've put you in this situation. Because, you are correct, we do have a history. I don't know how much he's told you-

Quite a lot, I think angrily.

I don't know how much he's told you, but it sounds like you know at least some of the story. Let me start off my side of it with a large piece of information, and I'm not sure if it's a good thing if he's found out and told you already.

He is indeed your father.

I stop for a moment. I had so hoped it had been a lie, a trick, but it's true.

We were young and stupid and I thought I loved him. I really did, but it became obvious it wasn't a mutual feeling. He didn't want you and gave me several reasons why. Valid points, too, but if he had wanted you, he would have made it all work. I'm sorry for that bit. Anyways, I left him and never looked back. I never thought I would have to. That I would have to see him again, that you would ever meet him, any of it. Now that the time has come, I just hope you're okay.

I do hope he's treating you well, at least. He was never a kind man, but he could try to treat you with respect. Please, tell me. You said he's already put you in detention, was it for a good reason? How much has he shared with you before me? And be kind to him. He is broken in ways you might never know. And if you are disrespectful to him, he will retaliate.

Lastly, speak to Professor Dumbledore. He knows more than he says. He'll help you. Ask Professors Flitwick or McGonagall to take you to him. Do take care and write back.

-Mum.

There's a spare piece of parchment on a table beside me. I grab it and a quill, and start to write.

Mum, I knew basically all of this. He told me everything. I'm sorry. I'll take your advice, all of it, if I can.

Thank you- Avery.

Short and to the point. I don't hesitate to seal it, and I put both letters in my pocket.

Mum said to go to Dumbledore, so that's what I'll do. It's a Saturday, we have all day to speak, although I do hope it doesn't take that long.

I leave the common room, and start heading towards the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall is just seeing off the students to Hogsmeade in the entrance hall, and I sit quietly on the stairs until she's available.

She sees me watching her and the others, and as the last few students leave, she comes over.

"Wishing you could go?" she asks. I shake my head.

"No, Professor, I was waiting for you actually."

"And how may I help you, Miss Carter?"

"Could you take me to see Professor Dumbledore, ma'am?" McGonagall stares at me, surprised.

"Well, Miss Carter, Professor Dumbledore is a very busy man! What on earth do you want to speak with him about?"

"Please, Professor? I have a problem and my mother wrote and suggested I go to him about it. I'd rather not say what it is, ma'am," I say politely. She looks shocked.

"I suppose I can take you to his office, but I can't guarantee that he can speak to you."

"I understand that. Thank you," I tell her. McGonagall nods and motions for me to follow her. She leads me down a few hallways and stops in front of a large stone gargoyle.

"Lemon drop." I can only assume this is Dumbledore's password, because the gargoyle jumps to the side, allowing us entry. I follow McGonagall up the flight of stairs and to the headmaster's office door. She knocks, and then carefully pushes it open.

"Professor McGonagall," greets Dumbledore. "And Miss Carter. How may I help you both?"

"She asked to speak with you, if you have the time, Albus," McGonagall says. Dumbledore nods.

"If we could be left alone, Minerva?" he says. She looks surprised but nods stiffly and leaves. Dumbledore smiles

"I think I know why you're here, Avery."

"Professor Snape, sir-" I start but he cuts me off.

"I have been told the whole story, there's no need to explain," he says calmly. "Professor Snape and I have discussed the matter, in fact it was I who recommended that he tell you everything." I'm taken aback by this.

"How long have you known?" I ask.

"Since the start of the term. Professor Snape told me as soon as he recognized your name at the sorting ceremony." I nod.

"My mother told me to come and talk to you, but I'm not really sure what to say, sir."

"As you should. I would be very lost and confused, if I were you," Dumbledore replies. "Having the news of a long-lost parent, you could say, sprung upon you. The fact that said person is not the most loving individual, for you or anyone else, and it's lemon juice in the wound."

"Yes, sir, you're exactly right," I say nervously.

"There is two things I can do," he tells me. "I can firstly speak to Professor Snape about all of this, and try to talk him round, although I have already tried. The second is that I can offer myself to you in any further times of trouble, whether with this or anything else. Does that sound like a plan? And also, follow any advice you mother gives you. I don't know what she told you, but I know it will be the right thing."

"Yes, Professor. Thank you, very much," I reply. I feel much better having someone at the school who's on my side, especially with it being Dumbledore. He smiles.

"I'll see you later, Avery. I wish you the best of luck." His eyes twinkle at me, but his tone is clearly that of you are dismissed. I nod respectfully, and leave the room.